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February 8, 2009

What Can A-Rod Say?

Assuming these four SI sources are correct, what if Slappy came out on Monday and said:

Yes, I did it. Most players did this -- or are still doing it. It's no secret. And if baseball is truly serious about stopping this, then everyone needs to start telling the truth. Players, management, the union, the media.

I am one of the most visible players in the game, playing in the spotlight of New York, so I feel I have an obligation to take the first step. I will try to be as honest as I possible can in answering your questions. I hope others will join me.

Rodriguez has got to say something soon and although I think there's about a .0001% chance he'll go that route, it would be fascinating. Far more then denying everything, apologizing for "something", or saying he did them only once to recover from an injury.

... I used steroids. I knew it was wrong, and I did it, and no one is to blame but myself. I accept any punishment that might be given to me, and I do not ask for anyone's pity. I accept the fact that this may invalidate me from entry into the Hall of Fame, and I would not blame any sportswriter from voting against me. And for the rest of my career, I will voluntarily travel to high schools and youth leagues all over the country and talk about the dangers of steroids, as well as donate $25,000,000 to start a foundation to prevent steroid use from becoming more widespread.

But I'm not really one of them. I don't have much of an opinion that I feel strongly about, but it does seem to work well when you admit that you did something, apologize, and then move on, and hopefully try to "make it right" somehow like working with the players, the union, and the league to improve upon the game's image and to work towards getting rid of performance enhancing drugs in the game all together.

Why don't we just realize that PED's were around since forever. I am sure guys drank massive amounts of coffee back in the day to stimulate themselves. Perhaps cocaine before it was illegal. The players of the 70's and the 80's talk of uppers being used. Then came steroids and all it's many derivatives. I am sure there is some substance that guys are using now to avoid testing positive. They stand to make millions if they are successful using PED's so the temptation is overwhelming. Maybe some salary reform is needed to take some temptation away. I would play pro ball for 500,000 a year. Why should it cost $25 million to play baseball. If I had the opportunity to make millions I would take some short cuts as would most every real world person. It is real easy to sit here and say you wouldn't, but none of you or us or all of the internet media junkies have that chance.

Andy, I agree with your perspective - a lot. I've always thought the uproar over steroid use is overblown and massively hypocritical.

But I have to make one change to what you wrote.

It should not cost $25 million to play baseball. But there are billions to be made in merchandising and media rights. If owners are making a gigantic pie of money, players deserve a hefty slice. It's their talent, work and bodies the game is built on.

I would love to see less money in the sport. But it would have to come from both sides - owners and players. And the owners would have to be (forced to be) honest and transparent about how much money they actually make. Until the owners can show their profits - their real profits, all of it, not hidden under cover of other corporations - we can't talk meaningfully about salary reform.

Also, the temptation to use PEDs isn't only about trying to become the next Alex Rodriguez. There must be an even greater temptation among marginal players who aren't quite good enough to make the majors, and feel they need the edge to compete - especially if they know their competition is doing it. And then pressure to keep using to stay in the Majors. And so on.

L-girl said... It should not cost $25 million to play baseball. But there are billions to be made in merchandising and media rights. If owners are making a gigantic pie of money, players deserve a hefty slice. It's their talent, work and bodies the game is built on.

Everything in this country has become overpriced, ballplayers, tickets, hot dogs , beer , hats shirts.....a correction has to take place or you will see a lot of empty seats throughout baseball..The Yankees for one have called season ticket holders from the '08 season begging them back.........A chevy dealer here in CT has been called by the Yankees asking why he hasn't bought his usual allotment of tickets yet.....

And I know Jere will come on saying tickets aren't that expensive you can get in if you really want to......But I for one will never by a ticket get in the park and stand for 3 plus hours...My couch is very comfortable...

This isn't about the money he had more than enough before '03...This is narcissism at its highest point....

There's no doubt there'll be empty seats throughout ML parks this season, since so many people are out of work or afraid they will soon be so. The sports media will blame it on steroids, and that will be BS.

I agree everything is overpriced in MLB, ridiculously so. The owners want you to think it's because of player salaries, but that may not be the case. All pro sports are too expensive. Baseball is at least within reach of many fans.

I agree steroids use is not about money, I was only responding to Andy's comments. I'm not sure it's narcissism either, but maybe you could explain.

I was rushed a bit earlier. Yes the owners make too much money not to give a good portion to the players. Maybe they need to raise the minimum salary a lot so there is less to go around. And then it would be ok to not be on roids because you can be a great utility player and make a really good living, all without drugs.

There are a few players that would fit into the Arod category. He is narcissistic because he is a pretty boy who wants to look prettier than everyone else. How can a guy hit so many homers in one month like he did and that not be the biggest story in his career. In fact nothing he has done on the field has contributed much if anything to the legend that is A-Roid. Bonds could be considered in this category. They all seem to keep to themselves. They will never be called the Mayor like Casey. They fit a sociopath's profile.

L-girl said... I'm not sure it's narcissism either, but maybe you could explain.

In words that people could unterstand, I doubt it....

A-Rod's love for himself and how he is percieved is something he will never get over....Even when he finally talks..No matter how sincere he makes it sound it will come off as bullshit, contrived ,and pitiful.Thats how people see him and he can never change that....He's better off never saying anything....